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Sunday, October 21, 2012

5.3 Magnitude Earthquake Along the San Andreas Fault

Today, about 15 hours ago, there was a 5.3 magnitude earthquake along the San Andreas fault, near King City, California. This is a bit south of Salinas. The quake was felt in the Bay Area, around Fresno and as far south as Santa Barbara.

This an area along the 700 mile long fault where there is a steady creep, and is an area of very many smaller earthquakes. It's not unusual to see a 4 mag quake in the area, and 3 mag quakes are common place. A 5 mag or more will occur in the area, but is less common.

What is interesting and noteworthy, is the fact that at the south end of the state, just south of where the San Andreas fault ends, we experienced two 5 mag plus earthquakes in Brawley, two months ago. Right after it, we had a series of 4 mag quakes on a parallel fault, the Elsinore fault, in Orange County. That area of Orange County had a similar quake swarm long before that!

It'll be interesting to see what other earthquakes will occur during this time of increased activity.

About Me

Award winning filmmaker.
I write about geology, aerospace and also a novel series called the Diablo Diaries, featuring a whacky character named Prince Stephan. Also I produce and direct film, both feature and documentary. Working on a documentary about the eastern California rifting zone, and co-produced the movie Defcon 2012.
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